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How to pronounce "world"

world

Noun
American
/wɜrld/

Syllable Breakdown

world

How natives say world

British
/wɜːld/

Syllable Breakdown

world

How natives say world

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the 'w' sound, lips rounded.

  • Move to the 'ɜr', tongue mid-central and tense.

  • End with 'ld', where 'l' is lateral and 'd' is a voiced dental.

Common Mistakes

  • wer-ld instead of world

  • wor-led instead of world

  • word instead of world

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Begin with 'w', lips rounded.

  • Pronounce 'ɜː', keeping tongue mid-central and tense.

  • Finish with 'ld', ensuring 'l' is lateral and 'd' is clear.

common mistakes

  • wer-ld instead of world

  • wol-led instead of world

  • word instead of world

FAQ

Is the 'r' pronounced strongly in world?

Yes, in American English the 'r' is pronounced clearly.

Do I need to emphasize the 'd' at the end?

Yes, but it should be soft and clear.

Why do I struggle with the 'ɜr' sound?

Practice keeping your tongue mid-high and central.

Definition

world

The earth or a place with humans, nature, and activities.

Word Family

worldly

/ˈwɜrldli/

adjective

Related to the world

Example: He has worldly knowledge.

worldwide

/ˈwɜrldˌwaɪd/

adjective

Existing everywhere in the world

Example: The event is worldwide.

worldliness

/ˈwɜrldlinəs/

noun

Focus on material things

Example: She shows worldliness in her tastes.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Worldly has an additional 'li' sound.

Worldwide includes 'wide' with a distinct 'waɪd'.

Worldliness adds 'li-ness' which softens the ending.

Pro Tips

Focus on 'ɜr' sound

Make sure your tongue is relaxed in the middle of your mouth.

Smooth transition to 'ld'

Practice moving your tongue from mid-central to 'l' quickly.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With World

advocacy

[ˈædvəkəsi]

alley

/ˈæ.li/

associate

/əˈsoʊʃiˌeɪt/

charitable

/ˈtʃær.ɪ.tə.bəl/

charity

/ˈtʃær.ɪ.ti/

citizen

/ˈsɪtɪzən/

city

/ˈsɪti/

civic

/ˈsɪvɪk/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

abroad

ability

agenda